Mathematics

Mathematics Majors

The department of mathematics and computing has achieved regional and national recognition for its innovative programs. The department has been named one of the Top 101 Success Stories in the integration of computer technology into the classroom by EDUCOM, a national educational computing organization. Two computerized classrooms/labs, funded by grants from The National Science Foundation, provide students at all levels with regular access to hardware and software comparable to that used in business and industry. The incorporation of technology into the classroom is part of the department’s emphasis on active learning, in which students are encouraged to work individually and in teams to discover features and applications of fundamental concepts and to complete real-life projects.

Available Math Majors

With three distinct majors in mathematics (pure mathematics, mathematics education and applied mathematics), the department can meet the educational needs of students with a wide range of goals and interests. A student research fellowship, regular trips to faculty and student conferences, and opportunities for summer and winter term internships and study all provide students with the background necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

Pure Mathematics provides a broad background in all areas of mathematics and offers a great deal of flexibility for students to follow their own interests. While excellent preparation for graduate school, this major can easily be combined with additional study in areas such as biology or the social sciences for students with aspirations to work in a variety of fields in positions dealing with quantitative data analysis, planning, and problem solving.

Applied Mathematics is designed for students who want to focus on the relationship of mathematics to allied disciplines such as computer science, physics, and chemistry. The major is particularly appropriate for those who aim for careers in business and industry or who wish to go to graduate school. Many applied mathematics majors elect to double major or minor in computer science. This combination has been particularly sought after by employers in recent years.

Quantitative Analysis combines mathematics with computer modeling, economics, accounting, and a special emphasis in finance or marketing. It prepares students for graduate school in any of these areas, for work as an actuary, or in any quantitatively-oriented position in business.

Outcomes

Our graduates are teaching in public schools and at the college level. Our graduates are also working for large employers such as Eli Lilly & Company, USA Funds, EDS, American States Insurance, Cummins, Inland Mortgage, and American United Life Insurance. Other graduates opt for smaller companies such as Premier Solutions and Software Artistry (consulting firms), Sagian Inc. (which provides software for robots used in chemical laboratories), and Prism Data Services Inc. (which implements medical software).

For those interested in graduate school, fellowships and assistantships are available which cover tuition and provide additional stipends of over $10,000 per year. Those who have chosen graduate school have compiled successful records at the doctorate and master’s level at the following schools: